TSMLI CHAPTER 21

At this critical moment, Lin Chu was able to react instinctively. She struggled to free her arms, and seeing that Shen Zhongxun only opened his mouth but did not move, she immediately lowered her voice and said, “Don’t shout!”

Shen Zhongxun belatedly realized that he had held her too tightly earlier, preventing Lin Chu from struggling free. Now, as he gazed at Lin Chu’s face up close for the first time, he noticed a few faint freckles on her cheekbones, hidden in her sun-reddened skin, which gave her a lively and adorable look.

Lin Chu struggled again, pressing against his chest and pushing him away forcefully, which loosened his grip a bit more than before.

However, after only a few seconds of embracing, Shen Zhongxun released his hold, feeling an emptiness so profound that he didn’t even have time to convey his pounding heartbeat to Lin Chu. Just as he was about to speak, Lin Chu put a finger to her lips to silence him, then turned to the door, stared through the peephole, and leaned in to listen.

Footsteps outside the door were intermittent. Lin’s mother called out to Lin Chu while scolding Lin’s father. “Why are you pulling me? Get out of my way!” The two were half a flight of stairs behind Lin Chu. Lin’s mother had just turned the corner from the third floor when the door closed. Having run the remaining half way down, she could no longer see Lin Chu. Furious, she was determined to catch her. Lin’s father tried to calm her down, and the two began to scuffle and argue at the second-floor doorway. The sounds of their argument seeped in through the door, reaching the ears of the two inside.

“Look at her! I’ll beat her to death! She’s gotten so big for her own good that she doesn’t listen to me anymore. Will you let go or not? Will you let go or not?” Lin’s mother was furious, pushing and hitting Lin’s father.

Mr. Lin dragged her upstairs. “Honestly, you’re such a small thing, yet you start cursing and hitting people. If you want to curse, go home and do it. Don’t do it in my parents’ house, or the neighbors will hear and laugh at you!”

It was unclear what remark touched a nerve with Lin’s mother, but she immediately kicked Lin’s father and sneered, “What’s wrong with your parents’ family? Let me tell you, I’ll send her on another blind date tomorrow, and she’ll get married right after!” Lin’s father ignored her words and continued to drag her upstairs in a low voice. He changed tactics again, perfunctorily joining her in blaming Lin Chu. After a while, Lin’s mother reluctantly went upstairs, saying fiercely, “If you ran away, don’t come back. If you’re so capable, sleep outside.” As she spoke, she had a sudden idea. “Didn’t she forget her bag? Let’s go upstairs and see if she took nothing. Let’s see how she runs away!”

Overjoyed, Lin’s mother suddenly felt that everything was under her control, and hurriedly led Lin’s father back to the third floor.

Lin Chu watched them disappear around the corner, then felt a pang of regret after checking her pockets. She hadn’t brought anything with her, and she didn’t remember her friend’s phone number, so she couldn’t call for help. She also wondered when her mother would calm down.

Turning around, she realized that Shen Zhongxun had been standing right behind her, just an arm’s length away. Their eyes met, and Lin Chu gave a dry laugh and pointed to the door. “I made my mother angry. She has a bad temper…” Not knowing how to explain, she felt a little embarrassed.

Shen Zhongxun couldn’t guess what had happened. Combining a few keywords, all he could confirm was that Lin Chu had nowhere to go. His heart stirred slightly, and he said to her, “Stay here with me for a while, and go back after your mother calms down.”

Lin Chu didn’t dare to stand in the blazing sun, but she also didn’t want to be in the same room with Shen Zhongxun, so she said, “No need. I’ll go back and check now. Thank you, Manager Shen!”

After saying that, she opened the door and went out, then smiled and thanked him before closing the door for Shen Zhongxun.

Shen Zhongxun frowned and watched her walk downstairs through the peephole. After thinking for a moment, he went to the kitchen, stood by the window and looked down, but Lin Chu was nowhere to be seen.

Shen Zhongxun understood immediately, picked up his keys and went downstairs. Sure enough, he saw Lin Chu squatting behind the stairwell door, pitifully swatting mosquitoes off her legs. Even from a distance, he could see the sweat on her forehead.

Lin Chu noticed someone was there and immediately looked up, surprised to see Shen Zhongxun quickly coming downstairs and walking toward her.

Shen Zhongxun sighed and said, “What do you look like squatting here like that? I don’t mind being rejected, so why are you? We’re friends, after all. Don’t overthink it. Come sit at my place for a while, and then go back later!”

Lin Chu still harbored some resentment and felt somewhat awkward, but Shen Zhongxun wouldn’t allow her to refuse again. He grabbed her arm and pulled her upstairs. Lin Chu struggled a bit. “Manager Shen, I’ll just stand here for a while. I’ll be back in half an hour!”

Shen Zhongxun simply said, “Don’t be reckless!” He glanced at Lin Chu’s face and said, “Go upstairs and rest for a bit. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t just abandon them like this, so really don’t overthink it!”

Lin Chu couldn’t help but recall the scene of Shen Zhongxun helping her on the street. He was indeed a helpful person. She had no choice but to go upstairs with him, as she couldn’t stand the high temperature outside.

The cold air from inside the room poured in, and Lin Chu’s stance finally wavered.

Shen Zhongxun picked up the food container from the floor and said, “I’m making dumplings today. I was thinking about how I ate dumplings at your house twice last time, so this is a way to return the favor.”

Lin Chu immediately said, “I just rushed over so suddenly that you dropped your lunchbox. I’m sorry. Is it broken?”

Shen Zhongxun opened the food container; the dumplings inside were piled up crookedly. Lin Chu apologized again, and Shen Zhongxun smiled. “It’s okay. I’ll go make some more. We still have a pound of dumpling wrappers.” He then walked toward the kitchen. “Have you had lunch? Want to eat some together?”

Lin Chu had been running for two hours and was already parched, tired, and hungry. In addition, she had a slight cold and her nose was always stuffy. She felt uncomfortable all over, so she decided not to think about it and replied, “No need. I’ve already eaten!” She temporarily put aside the idea of leaving.

Shen Zhongxun told her to sit wherever she liked, then put the dumpling ingredients on a plate and brought it out. He sat down next to Lin Chu, turned on the TV, and said, “I’ll make dumplings slowly. You can watch TV for a while.”

He initiated the conversation, asking Lin Chu about the inspection team’s visit next week. Lin Chu gave a standard answer for a while, then Shen Zhongxun asked, “Why is your mother setting you up on another blind date? Was your last blind date the ‘boyfriend’ you mentioned?”

Ye Jing had already told Shen Zhongxun the whole story, so Lin Chu had nothing to deny or hide. After thinking for a moment, she said, “My mother does have this idea, but it’s not a big deal.”

Shen Zhongxun placed the freshly wrapped dumplings on the plate. The plump white dumplings were arranged neatly and were similar in size. His hands kept moving as he picked up another dumpling wrapper, put on the same amount of meat filling, and slowly pinched it into shape. A moment later, he placed another dumpling on the plate and adjusted its angle and position in the queue.

Lin Chu secretly drew a straight line, thinking to herself that the size and arrangement of the dumplings were comparable to machine-made ones. She couldn’t help but glance at Shen Zhongxun. Shen Zhongxun was focused on his hands and casually introduced the meat filling. “I added shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, and dried bamboo shoots. The ones your mother made last time had this filling. I guess your grandparents would like to eat them.”

Lin Chu nodded. “They eat all kinds of fillings, so you didn’t need to make dumplings for them specially. You helped us first!”

Shen Zhongxun put down the last dumpling. There were already four neat rows on the plate, and half of the dumpling wrappers were left. He turned to Lin Chu and said, “I’ll make you a bowl of dumplings. There’s water and drinks in the fridge. I’m a little thirsty. Can you get them for me? Help yourself to whatever you want to drink. My hands are dirty.”

Lin Chu’s lips were already cracked from thirst. Shen Zhongxun hadn’t poured her any water, and she was too embarrassed to ask. Now that he had finished speaking, she felt even thirstier. She got up and went to the refrigerator outside the kitchen. After opening the door, she saw that it was filled with various brands of water and juice. Lin Chu asked, “What would you like to drink?”

Shen Zhongxun turned on the range hood and poured more than half a kettle of boiling water into the pot. The kitchen was filled with noise and heat. He shouted, “I’ll drink whatever you want, whatever you like!”

Lin Chu simply took out two bottles of mineral water, closed the refrigerator door, and eagerly tilted her head back to drink.

Shen Zhongxun stood in front of the gas stove, and from his angle, he could see Lin Chu’s profile as she drank water. Her neck was tilted back, and some of her long hair hung down, sticking to the back of her neck. She seemed to be really thirsty; she forgot about the formalities of distance and obediently took the water, drinking it quickly and voraciously.

Shen Zhongxun smiled faintly, his gaze shifting to Lin Chu’s slippers. Lin Chu had run downstairs in her grandparents’ slippers and hadn’t changed her shoes even after being inside for so long. Shen Zhongxun didn’t remind her. Soon the dumplings were cooked, and as he plated them, Shen Zhongxun called out, “Lin Chu, could you help me with the seasoning?”

Lin Chu had unknowingly finished drinking the water. After swallowing the last sip, she twisted the cap back on and ran to the kitchen.

Shen Zhongxun held the spatula and scooped out dumplings one by one, his movements slow but deliberately pretending to be busy, directing Lin Chu to get this and that. Finally, Lin Chu saw a familiar package among a pile of chili sauces, picked up the glass bottle, and said with delight, “This tastes pretty good. When mixed with vinegar, it’s sweet, sour, and spicy—quite different.”

Shen Zhongxun said, “Then try adjusting it.”

Lin Chu immediately started preparing it.

Two large bowls of dumplings were served. Lin Chu smelled the aroma and felt incredibly hungry. After waiting for so long, her stomach couldn’t take it anymore. So, after a few polite words, she shamelessly sat down at the table.

Shen Zhongxun tasted the seasoning and praised, “The flavor is very unique. It’s really good!”

Lin Chu smiled and said, “This recipe was invented by my mother. I’m still a little short on the details. These ingredients have a certain ratio!”

Shen Zhongxun smiled, buried his head in his food, and soon his lips turned red. He then gulped down two mouthfuls of mineral water and continued dipping his food in sauce as if nothing had happened.

After the meal, Shen Zhongxun cleared the table. Lin Chu stood to the side, unsure whether to help. Just as she was hesitating, she heard Shen Zhongxun say, “You didn’t change your shoes!”

Lin Chu looked down and exclaimed, “Oh no, I forgot!” There seemed to be some faint gray marks on the floor around her. She said shyly, “I’m so used to wearing these slippers that I never noticed them.”

Shen Zhongxun laughed and said, “It’s alright. I’ll wash the dishes first. If you’d like, could you help me mop it a little? The mop is in the bathroom.”

Since he had already spoken, Lin Chu had no reason to refuse, so she hurriedly agreed and ran to the bathroom to wring out the mop.

Shen Zhongxun was washing dishes in the kitchen. He would occasionally turn his head to look at Lin Chu, who was bending over mopping the floor. He would also casually ask her about some everyday matters. Lin Chu finally stopped giving formal answers and seemed to have let go of the anxiety and embarrassment she felt when she was with Shen Zhongxun.

After they finished their respective tasks, an hour and a half had passed. Lin Chu was a little sweaty and went to the bathroom to wash her face. Shen Zhongxun pulled out a tissue and handed it to her, saying, “I just cut a watermelon. Come out and have some!”

Lin Chu wiped the water droplets from her face and smiled. “No, it’s really about time to go back now. My mom should be calmed down by now.”

Shen Zhongxun smiled and said, “Alright. If your mother still chases after you and beats you, then come to me again!”

Lin Chu found it strange that this joke came from Shen Zhongxun, but it also made her feel much more relaxed. After saying goodbye, she walked up to the third floor with her head held high.

Shen Zhongxun stood at the door, watching the commotion upstairs. After the door opened, there was a fierce roar, followed by Lin Chu’s coquettish voice. Shen Zhongxun curled his lips, but the smile vanished in the next instant.

Lin’s mother shouted, “You’re going on a blind date here tomorrow at 10 a.m. I just got you a match. If you dare disobey this time, I’m telling you…” The rest of her words were cut off by the door, and Shen Zhongxun could no longer hear them.

Lin Chu really regretted coming to Chuqian. She asked her grandparents for help, but when it came to finding a partner, the elders in the family were all in agreement, and everyone hoped that Lin Chu would fall in love as soon as possible.

Grandma advised, “Look at your brother. He’s only two years older than you, and he got married the year before last. At your age, your uncle already has a granddaughter. Listen to your mother. She’s right. No mother would harm her own daughter!”

With nowhere to turn for help, Lin Chu could only stay there dejectedly.

The bedroom door was wide open, but the cool air only lingered around. Lin’s parents couldn’t bear to spend money on a hotel, so they laid a straw mat at the bedroom door so that Lin Chu could sleep in a cool place, while the two of them slept in another spot.

That night, Lin’s father whispered to Lin’s mother about buying a new air conditioner for the elderly couple, and was punched hard by Lin’s mother. Lin Chu rarely slept on the floor, and tossed and turned for a long time before finally closing her eyes to her parents’ incessant chatter.

The next day, the family got up early. Lin’s father obeyed Lin’s mother’s orders and went home to get Lin Chu’s dress. Lin Chu had no choice but to change into the dress and wait for her blind date.

This blind date was five years older than Lin Chu, a graduate of a prestigious university, currently a middle school teacher, and preparing for the civil service exam. Lin’s mother’s friends had a dozen profiles of promising young men; this was just one of them. If Lin Chu was not satisfied, countless others would follow suit.

As usual, Lin Chu wrote down the other party’s contact information, intending to give it to Ye Jing as before. Lin’s mother was very satisfied when she saw this, thinking that Lin Chu was finally obedient. At ten o’clock, they finally received a call from Aunt Wu. The group had arrived on the street outside the residential building, but could not find the exact location.

Mr. Lin went to the card room, so Mrs. Lin had to go downstairs to meet them. When she got to the second floor, she saw a house with its door wide open. She glanced inside curiously, and just then a person came out, holding a food container. Upon seeing Mrs. Lin, the person smiled and said, “Auntie, are you Daodao’s mother?”

Lin’s mother asked in surprise, “Ah? I am. You are…”

Shen Zhongxun laughed and said, “I’ve been living here for a month now, and it just so happens that Daodao and I work in the same unit. By the way, my grandparents treated me to dumplings last time, and I made some at home this time. I was just planning to take them over, but I don’t know if they’re home yet?”

Lin’s mother was speechless. “Ah, Zai Zai, at home!”

She took a step back and subtly sized up Shen Zhongxun. His suit trousers and white shirt were impeccably matched; he was handsome, tall and sturdy, and spoke with impeccable manners—truly a man of exceptional talent.

The phone rang, bringing Lin’s mother back to her senses. Her friend on the other end of the line was waiting anxiously. Lin’s mother kept saying “I’ll be right there,” her gaze following Shen Zhongxun’s figure as he went upstairs.

When Lin Chu heard the doorbell ring, she immediately hid in her bedroom. Her grandmother came out of the kitchen, called out to her, and went to open the door. Upon seeing Shen Zhongxun, her grandmother exclaimed in surprise, “Little Shen, it’s you!”

Shen Zhongxun raised the food container in his hand and repeated his words. His grandmother immediately welcomed him in and called Lin Chu out to make tea.

Shen Zhongxun stared at Lin Chu as she slowly walked out of the bedroom, his breath catching in his throat.

Aside from her performance costumes and cheongsams, Shen Zhongxun had never seen her wear a dress before. At this moment, she wore a flowing long dress that reached her ankles, with her long hair tied behind her ear on the left side. Her face was not flushed from the sun, but rather had a captivating pinkish-white complexion, making her look charming and alluring, inviting one to protect her.

Lin Chu greeted them and brewed some green tea for Shen Zhongxun. Grandma brought out some fruit, sat down on the sofa, and said, “Her grandpa and her dad went to the card room. You eat, you eat.” She then moved an electric fan over and pointed it at Shen Zhongxun.

Shen Zhongxun ate some fruit and chatted with Lin Chu before learning that the electrical circuits at Lin Chu’s house were being repaired. His grandmother complained that the weather was hot and the air conditioner was not as effective as before after it was repaired. A little while later, he heard Lin’s mother talking outside. The voices were getting closer and closer, so his grandmother hurriedly went to open the door.

Lin’s mother and Aunt Wu went inside first, followed by a refined-looking man. Aunt Wu smiled and said, “Oh, Auntie, I haven’t seen you in so long! You’re getting more and more energetic, just like during the New Year!” Grandma was overjoyed. Then Aunt Wu introduced him. “Look, this is my nephew. I asked him to come with me to buy some things. We just happened to be here, so we stopped by to see you!”

Grandma hurriedly invited them into the house. Shen Zhongxun had already stood up. Grandma introduced him, saying, “This is our neighbor, Xiao Shen. He just brought me some food. This child often helps our family!”

Shen Zhongxun nodded to everyone, glanced at the man, and then took his leave. His grandmother naturally asked him to stay for dinner, but Shen Zhongxun waved his hand and declined, saying, “No, no. I might have to go back to the city this afternoon. If Lin Chu is going back, I can give her a ride.” With that, he slowly went downstairs.

Lin Chu was pulled to sit on the sofa by her mother. Aunt Wu kept praising Lin Chu on the other end of the line, and the topic gradually turned to the man. The steps of the blind date began to be carried out one by one.

Lin Chu endured a difficult lunch, and after seeing the two off, she was dragged into the bedroom by her mother for a lecture. Her mother laid out the other man’s conditions one by one, and said happily, “Look at him. He’s good-looking, he just bought a house, he has no siblings, he’s only had two relationships, and he’s a very proper person. Where can you find such a good partner!”

Lin Chu nodded listlessly, then heard her mother suddenly ask, “By the way, is that Xiao Shen downstairs from your workplace?”

Lin Chu was taken aback. “How did you know?”

Lin’s mother patted her on the shoulder. “Never mind how I know. What’s your relationship with him?”

Lin Chu stared in disbelief and said, “What are you thinking about now?”

Lin’s mother smiled and said, “Let me tell you, I’m not that materialistic. Conditions are secondary; what matters most is that you like it. If you have a boyfriend or someone you like, you can tell me directly. Even if they rent a place, I won’t look down on them. As long as they are honest and ambitious, everything is negotiable!”

Lin Chu had no idea what her mother was thinking, and was both amused and exasperated, nodding in agreement repeatedly.

Half an hour later, Lin Chu was finally free. Ye Jing called and said, “I just took my cousin to the station. What time will you be back? I want to go to the city hospital for a check-up.”

Lin Chu replied, “I’ll definitely be there by three o’clock. Why don’t you go home and rest first, or go register yourself?” After hanging up the phone, she gave her mother some instructions.

“Why go back so early? It’s so hot outside, and you can’t even get a car!” Lin’s mother said with some reluctance.

Grandma suddenly thought, “Wait a minute. I’ll go ask Xiao Shen. Didn’t he say he was going back to the city this afternoon? Let’s see if he’s left yet!”

Lin Chu quickly stopped her grandmother, but was pulled away by her mother. “It’s no big deal to ask. It’s on the way anyway. You can give her some money for gas later. You’ll be exhausted from changing cars!”

Lin Chu couldn’t stop her in time, and soon she heard her grandmother calling upstairs, “Dao Dao, come down quickly. Xiao Shen is about to leave!”

Lin Chu was urged to go downstairs. Seeing that Shen Zhongxun was dressed neatly and was indeed dressed for going out, she stopped dawdling, waved to her grandmother, and left with Shen Zhongxun.